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#787916 11/03/03 08:25 PM
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Well, aparently it's that time again. For a 2nd alternator. The 1st replacement was I think 3 years ago (if not longer - I can't remember). I also just replaced my battery about 2 months ago as well.
My battery light came on yesterday, then for a little bit earlier. So, I grabbed a meter over my lunch to check the battery.

When you turn the car on and meter the battery it was at 12VDC. Then with the car running, the radio on, lights on, heat/defroster on, the battery voltage dropped down to 11.63 VDC.
Then, I had my friend in the car step on the gas for about 5-10 seconds. Well, the battery voltage just stayed at 11.63. It didn't go back up any.

Bad alternator. Right??

Well, this will be a fun night. I have an extra alternator in my shed at home (so I'm good there). So, I hope I can make it 28 miles back to my friends shop. He said he could change it for me.
How long has it taken any of you to change it? (for the 1995 V6 automatic) Last time it took 2 of my friends 6 hours.
My friend said it wouldn't take that long this time. He thinks it will take less time.


1995 Contour LX 238,000 miles
#787917 11/03/03 08:29 PM
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Might be better in Troubleshooting.


-'96 SE MTX 3L -'98 SVT 1,173 of 6,535 -'05 Mazda 6s, loaded, g/f's ride -Need a 96-00 manual on CD? PM or email me
#787918 11/03/03 08:36 PM
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I am not really troubleshooting. I know what's wrong with it. I was just wondering how much time it took someone else who's done the job. Thanks anyway.


1995 Contour LX 238,000 miles
#787919 11/03/03 08:56 PM
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think my father said it took him aout an hour or so to get the thing out, he didn't move anything but the sway bar end link. this was also removing it with the bracket still on the alternator.

when we installed the used one I got it was in in about 10 minutes, since he know how to twist and turn it to get it in. took about an hour after that because we had to work all the bolts in and make the connections and such


- 95 Mystique LS - Zetec/5spd - 99 Contour SeVT Sport - Duratec/5spd Official NE-CEG Contour/Mustang Family
#787920 11/04/03 06:24 AM
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Here is a good how to on alternator replacement from the archives. Check out 99blacksesport 's instructions and the rest of this thread. I printed this out for a friend who had hers replaced and the mechanic who did it found this very helpful. HTH.


Keith W 98.5 SE Sport ATX Lt. Denim Blue Other car '02 3.0 Duratec Taurus wagon Want some real political discussions? Try www.freeconservatives.com
#787921 11/04/03 08:36 AM
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not quite on subject here, but if you replace it enough, you get to know how to do it quick. i got down to 10 min removal and about 15 min install out front of my house due to junk rebuilt alternators o'reilly's kept giving me (that tested fine on their machine, but on the car lasted maybe 2-3 days)

i'm on number 5 or 6 (lost count a couple back )


Goin' Round Traffic Circles @ 50Km/h!!! \m/ -- 1998 E0 SVT #2119 of 6535 \m/ -- 2003 Sentra SE-R Spec V
#787922 11/04/03 02:35 PM
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Alright. It's fixed. It only took 2 hours to replace it. Not too bad.

I guess what happened on replacing the original alternator, there was a bolt they couldn't remove. They even broke a couple of tools in the process.

So, my original alternator lasted to 120,000 miles. It was replaced July 17, 2000. The new alternator lasted until now, at 192,000 miles. I assume that it will last for a little bit now. So I'm hoping.


Any other repairs you think I may need?
So far this year:
1. New Alternator (replacement #2)
2. New Radiator
3. New spark plugs/wires
4. New Waterpump (replacement #2)
5. Rebuilt Tranny
6. New belts (waterpump belt and accessory belt)
7. New fuel filter
8. New crankshaft position sensor
9. New Battery


1995 Contour LX 238,000 miles
#787923 11/04/03 03:24 PM
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These are maintenance which you should be prepared to pay
New spark plugs/wires
New belts (waterpump belt and accessory belt)
New fuel filter
These two could be maintenanse at higher mileage!
New Battery
New Waterpump

-Andy


Andy W. The problem with America is stupidity. I'm not saying there should be a capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself?
#787924 11/04/03 04:38 PM
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One thing that I have never had changed until earlier this year, was my accessory belt and waterpump belt.
It's the original belts, when my friend changed both water pump and alternator they never replaced the belts (back in 2000).
I couldn't believe the belts lasted that long. The accessory belt was all worn and there were chunks broken off of it. If I'd have waited any longer it probably would've broke.
So, the originaly accessory belt and water pump belt lasted until 170,000 miles.


1995 Contour LX 238,000 miles
#787925 11/04/03 08:27 PM
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With 192,000 miles, you should be preparing to replace the coolant & vacuum hoses (if you have not already). These items just deteriorate over time, used regularly or not.

Overall, you seem to have gotten good service out of your 'Tour, despite having to put in a tranny. You should be able to keep it for a while still ... Hellova lot cheaper than a car payment!

Glad you're on the road again!

JimR


Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.
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